Houthis launch attacks on US, Israeli targets amid escalating air strikes in Yemen

Wednesday 26 March 2025 - 10:10

By: Zahouani Ilham

Houthis launch attacks on US, Israeli targets amid escalating air strikes in Yemen

The Houthis have reported multiple airstrikes in northern Yemen, claiming that they carried out retaliatory attacks on US warships in the Red Sea and launched drone strikes on Israeli military sites. On Wednesday, Houthi-affiliated media outlets reported at least 17 airstrikes hitting the Saada and Amran provinces, accusing the US of carrying out air raids that caused material damage to civilians. However, casualty details were not provided.

Al Masirah TV, another Houthi-linked source, noted that some airstrikes targeted the eastern areas of Saada and Al Salem district, while others hit the Sufyan district in Amran. US jets were also reported to have struck the Sahar district, located west of Saada.

In retaliation, the Houthis said they launched attacks on US and Israeli military targets. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree confirmed that the group had carried out two operations: one targeting the USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier in the Red Sea and another on Israeli military sites in Tel Aviv using drones. Saree emphasized the Houthis' ongoing resistance against “American aggression” and vowed to escalate their efforts if necessary.

The Houthis have been blocking Israeli shipping in the waters off Yemen’s coast, stating that they will continue to target Israeli interests until the Gaza Strip's blockade is lifted. The US has been involved in airstrikes in Yemen since mid-March, citing the Houthis’ attack on vessels in key shipping routes and their support for Hamas during the Israel-Gaza conflict. Since the Gaza war began in late 2023, the Houthis have launched over 100 attacks on shipping vessels, claiming they target ships linked to Israel and its allies in solidarity with Palestinians.

The humanitarian crisis in Yemen continues, with the ongoing conflict since 2015 pushing nearly 20 million people into poverty, and around seven million facing famine. Despite the destruction, many Yemenis support the Houthis’ actions as part of their solidarity with Gaza. They view these sacrifices as essential for pressuring Israel to end its military campaign and lift the blockade on Gaza.

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump renewed calls for Iran to cease supporting the Houthis, pledging that Washington would defeat the Yemeni group. While the Houthis are aligned with Iran, it remains unclear how much they depend on Iranian support or whether Tehran can influence their operations.